In your own words describe the meaning of the Patients’ Bill of Rights. Currently there is no universal Patients’ Bill of Rights, but many facilities have adopted their own set of Patients’ Rights and Responsibilities based on the Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities that was adopted by the US Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry in 1998.
For this discussion, read the Patients’ Bill of Rights presented by Healthsource Global Staffing to all of their employees.
There are eight key areas of the Patients’ Bill of Rights:
Information for patients
Choice of providers and plans
Access to emergency services
Taking part in treatment decisions
Respect and non-discrimination
Confidentiality (And privacy) of health information
Complaints and appeals
Consumer responsibilities
In your response:
Rank order the eight areas in terms of which area you think is most important (1) through which area you think is least important (8).
Review your top three areas and discuss what modifications you would make in these areas based on changes that have taken place in the healthcare system since this list was adopted in 1998.
Identify any provisions or areas that you believe should be included that are not addressed in this list of Patient’s Rights. For example, consider some of the patient's rights and responsibilities afforded to patients as part of the Affordable Care Act
Full Answer Section
The Patients’ Bill of Rights is not a legal document, but it is a set of guidelines that healthcare providers should follow. Many healthcare
facilities have adopted their own set of Patients’ Rights and Responsibilities based on the Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities that was adopted by the US Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry in 1998.
The Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities includes the following rights:
- The right to considerate and respectful care
- The right to accurate information
- The right to participate in decisions about your care
- The right to refuse treatment
- The right to considerate and respectful care when you are incapacitated
- The right to privacy
- The right to confidentiality
- The right to review your medical records
- The right to a safe and effective treatment
- The right to be free from discrimination
These rights are important because they help to ensure that patients are treated with respect and that they have a say in their own care. They also help to protect patients from being harmed by substandard care.
The Patients’ Bill of Rights is a living document that is constantly evolving. As new medical technologies and practices emerge, the rights of patients may need to be updated. It is important for patients to be aware of their rights and to advocate for themselves when they are in the healthcare system.
Here are some additional points about the Patients’ Bill of Rights:
- The Patients’ Bill of Rights is not a substitute for legal advice. If you have any questions about your rights, you should speak to an attorney.
- The Patients’ Bill of Rights does not apply to all healthcare facilities. Some facilities may have their own set of Patients’ Rights and Responsibilities.
- The Patients’ Bill of Rights is not a guarantee that your rights will always be respected. If you feel that your rights have been violated, you should speak to the healthcare provider or facility involved. You may also want to file a complaint with your state's healthcare agency.
Conclusion
The Patients’ Bill of Rights is an important document that helps to protect the rights of patients in the healthcare system. By understanding their rights, patients can advocate for themselves and ensure that they receive the care they deserve.